Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Mar 2001

Vol. 531 No. 5

Written Answers. - Study of Irish.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

133 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Question No. 1284 of 30 January 2001, he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford with regard to an exemption from Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6320/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

As indicated in my reply to Question No. 1284 of 30 January 2001, exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to primary pupils under the circumstances outlined in Departmental Circular 12/96. Under the terms of this circular, delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish within the terms laid down in the circular has been vested in the individual primary school authority.

In relation to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the circular stipulates that only pupils whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received outside Ireland would qualify for exemption from Irish on age grounds. Since the pupil for whom the exemption is being sought was less than 11 years of age on enrolment in pri mary school in Ireland, this pupil does not qualify for an exemption on age grounds.

On the basis of the information available to my Department, it appears that the school, in refusing to grant an exemption to this pupil under the terms of circular 12/96, has acted correctly. However, should the parents of the pupil in question wish to appeal the refusal to grant an exemption, they should write to the primary administration section of my Department in Athlone, County Westmeath. In writing to my Department the parents should provide detailed information relating to the background to this case and copies of relevant correspondence with the schools which their son has attended since returning to Ireland.